Calvary

[kal-vuh-ree]

noun

plural

Calvaries 

1. Bible.,  Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified.

2. Often calvary a sculptured representation of the Crucifixion, usually erected in the open air.

3. none calvary an experience or occasion of extreme suffering, especially mental suffering.

Calvary

¹

/ ˈkælvərɪ /

noun

1. Also called: Golgotha. the place just outside the walls of Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified

calvary

²

/ ˈkælvərɪ /

noun

1. (often capital) a representation of Christ's crucifixion, usually sculptured and in the open air

2. any experience involving great suffering

Calvary

1. The hill near Jerusalem (see also Jerusalem) on which Jesus was crucified. The name is Latin for “Place of the Skull”; it is also called Golgotha. (See Crucifixion.)

Pronunciation Note

See irrelevant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Calvary¹

First recorded before 1000; from Late Latin Calvāria “Calvary,” from Latin calvāria “a skull,” used to translate Greek kraníon cranium, itself a translation of the Aramaic name; Golgotha

Word History and Origins

Origin of Calvary¹

from Late Latin Calvāria, translation of Greek kranion skull, translation of Aramaic gulgulta Golgotha

Example Sentences

Class was in session at Calvary Christian School.

From Los Angeles Times

To their right, the Calvary Christian School burned.

From Los Angeles Times

The roof of Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood landmark, was burning.

From Los Angeles Times

At Calvary Christian School, a teacher told The Times they were surprised by the speed of the Palisades fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Residents said when officials first issued evacuation orders, the fire quickly jumped from five miles up Palisades Drive to just half a mile, near Calvary Christian School.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agony 
• anguish 
• calamity 
• difficulty 
• nightmare 
• torment 
• torture 
• trial